CVE-2018-13336 in TerraMaster TOS
Summary
by MITRE
System command injection in ajaxdata.php in TerraMaster TOS version 3.1.03 allows attackers to execute system commands via the "pwd" parameter during user creation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13336 represents a critical system command injection flaw within the TerraMaster TOS operating system version 3.1.03. This vulnerability specifically affects the ajaxdata.php component which handles user creation processes, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected device. The flaw manifests through the improper handling of the "pwd" parameter, which is used during user account creation procedures. When an attacker submits a crafted payload through this parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input, enabling direct command execution within the system context.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a severe security weakness in software systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it occurs during a legitimate administrative function - user creation - making it difficult to detect and potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically has extensive access to system resources and can potentially lead to full system compromise. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to network security as it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication for the initial command injection.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass potential data breaches, system takeover, and persistent access to the affected device. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or modify system configurations to maintain long-term access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web-based interfaces without requiring physical access to the device, making it an attractive target for remote attackers. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13336 should prioritize immediate patching of the TerraMaster TOS system to version 3.1.04 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to ensure that all parameters, particularly those used during user creation processes, are properly validated before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized user creation activities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to ensure that administrative functions are properly secured against injection attacks and that all system components follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.